ELKHART – Rejoice and be glad for the Lord has come. The Lord came and walked Frederick H. Smith home at 6:30 p.m. June 6, 2013. He was born and raised in Warsaw, to Standford and Helen Rapp Smith. He married Norma Arnold, who survives. His family owned and operated Hotel Hays and The Miller Hotel. He was known around the Elkhart area as the “magazine man,” starting his career at City News and Book Store. Sports fan and avid reader, he was a movie connoisseur – if you had any questions about an actor/actress or movie, he was the person you’d call. He would often surprise people that their so-called original was actually a remake. Going back to older times growing up around the hotel, he had an appreciation for trains and would put up the family Lionel train that was shown in the lobby of the Hotel Hays. Known for his sense of humor and quick one liners, he was a joy to be around. His quick wit left you laughing, a hard working family man who always took time to say hello. A true gentleman. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkhart. Also surviving are three daughters: Sandi (and spouse Tony) Crocker; Suzette (and spouse Brad) Burleson; and Sherry (and spouse Jeff) Beckwith; eight grandchildren: Shenna, Kayli, Brandi (and spouse John) Gilkey, Brina, Braven, Brenay, Kaylin and Connor; five great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Ariana, Garrett, Nolan and Riley; and a brother, Rick (and spouse Kathy) Smith, northern California. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Smith Howard; and a granddaughter, April Marie Beckwith. A private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd., is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice Care-Elkhart Hospice House, 22579 Old U.S. 20E, Elkhart, IN 46516.
